Disclosure: Thank you Country and ShopStyle Collective sponsored today’s post. All products have been really selected, worn and loved by you!
Shawn and I just returned home from New Buffalo, MI for a two night stay and while it’s always a fun place to visit, I don’t think I’ve really appreciated how special this place is. until a recent trip. New Buffalo is a charming town located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in the southwestern part of the state. Lucky for us, it’s only an hour’s drive from our house, making it an occasional easy stay. Not only is it a beautiful place to visit, but there are so many things to do and enjoy while you’re there – it’s one of those places where you can stay as busy or relaxed as you like [I’ll take a mix of both, please]! Today I thought it would be fun to share all of our favorite places in New Buffalo, MI in case you ever visit, hopefully by the end of this post you will be convinced that you need it. arrive!
Before we dive in, I’ll cover the main highlights: where, where to eat, and what to do – but of course, when you’re traveling anywhere, another big question to ask out is “what to wear?!“Whenever Shawn and I go on a trip that I know is going to be a little more active, the first place I shop is Country for both Shawn and me [proof in our Iceland post here]. They have it so many brands that we love with Exclusive label For anything our day has to offer – from cycling to eating, they have it all! Add to their outstanding customer service [seriously, it’s unmatched] and fast free shipping on orders over $50 and it’s one of those retailers you’ll find yourself shopping all the time once you get started! Bonus: If you’ve never shopped with Country Before that, be sure to use code LIVING15 to get 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com [exclusions apply]!
We have two hotels that we love in New Buffalo – Marina Grand and Harbor Grand, that’s where we stayed on our most recent trip. They are sister properties located right next to each other. The two sat along the marina and had a lot of fun. Here’s a glimpse of our time at Harbor Grand!
Cotton Shirt – Stripes – Basin and Range [true to size, wearing in small] // Cotton Cardigan – Basin and Range [size down one, wearing in small] // Carson Jean – Carved Design [size down one, wearing in 2] // Kipe’a ‘Olu slide sandal – OluKai [true to size]
One of my favorite parts – they bring you breakfast in a picnic basket to your door every morning! It’s as captivating as it sounds!
Camper Henley long sleeve shirt – Bow Z [true to size, wearing in small] // Mia Camper Short – Bow Z [true to size, wearing in small]
The sundeck is the perfect place to sit and soak up the sunset or relax in the middle of the day with a book in hand! It’s right outside the indoor pool and jacuzzi and is a magical little place to spend any amount of time!
Fear not, there is no shortage of good food here. Because we were only there for two days, we didn’t get to eat all of of the places we want, but I’m skipping the list of additional places we’ve had in the past and would totally recommend!
Stray Dog is one of our favorites because the rooftop is a great place to eat and watch the sunset over the lake!
The Brewing Church is another must-have for a drink or a great pizza! Fun atmosphere and they have a huge outdoor dining area!
The Terrace Room is located at The Harbor Grand, where you can enjoy delicious Italian food while looking at the river and boats. Definitely one of my favorites!
Some others to try:
- Brewster’s Italian Cafe
- Bentwood Tavern
- Hummingbird Cafe
- Ice cream Oinks
- Ice cream by the beach
- Ghost Isle . Brewery
- Staymaker Restaurant [located at Journeymen Distillery in Three Rivers, just a few miles away!]
I’m telling you, there’s too much to do here. From sunbathing on the beach to shopping at the casinos, to shopping around town, the list goes on!
- Rent a bike to get around town
On The Go Dress [true to size, wearing in small] // Explorer Defy Low Shoe – Sorel [true to size]
- Rent a Boat or Jet Ski [we use Oselka’s Marine for this!]
The Beach Bum T-shirt – Chubbies [true to size] // Short 7in Global – Topo . Style [true to size] //
Cloudflow Running Shoes – On [size up .5]
- Walk around downtown New Buffalo and see all the shops, farmers markets, and murals!
Capilene Cool Daily Tank Top – Patagonia [true to size] // Short Derby – Varley [true to size, wearing in small]
And more –
- Shop Red Arrow Highway for antiques and fun items!
- Rent a kayak or paddle board
- Visit a local casino: Four Winds or Blue Chip
- Get a massage at one of the many spas around town!
- Shop at Michigan City Outlet Malls
- Wine tasting: Round Barn, Tabor Hill, Dablon, Gravity Vineyards
- Visit the breweries: Greenbush, Watermark, Tapestry
One note – if you’re flying, the nearest airport will be South Bend, IN [SBN] it will take about 30-40 minutes drive!
As you can see, New Buffalo, MI is a hidden gem and a place I would tell anyone to visit if you want to be near the water! My favorite time to go is from May to October [those winter Michigan months are c-o-l-d]! If you’ve been before, visit your favorites, I’d love to hear them for my next return!
Founder and creator of LIY, Erin has turned her dream of a hobby blog into a full-time career that she now runs with the LIY team! When not in front of her computer screen [with a La Croix or wine in hand] or standing in front of a mirror for a selfie, you can see Erin spending time out on the water, cuddling with her two kids and her husband is most likely watching the latest Shark Tank episode or getting lost on an easy beach. read.
